Osu Castle, Accra
Osu Castle, also known as Christiansborg Castle, or “The Castle is a historic building located in Osu, a neighborhood in Accra, Ghana. The castle has served as the residence of the President of Ghana since 2013 and only specific areas are open to the public for guided tours and visits.
However, visitors can tour the nearby Osu Cemetery, which has historical significance as the final resting place for several European merchants, missionaries, and colonial officials who lived and worked in Ghana during the colonial period. The cemetery also has a small museum that showcases some of the artifacts and documents related to the colonial history of Ghana.
As for the entry costs, I’m sorry but I do not have current information on the admission fees for the Osu Cemetery and museum. However, visitors can contact the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board or the tourism board in Ghana to get the latest information on admission fees and visiting hours for the cemetery and museum.
A brief a history of history of Osu Castle
Osu Castle, has a rich and complex history that spans several centuries. The castle was initially built in the mid-17th century by the Danes as a trading post and a fortified outpost to protect their interests in the Gold Coast, which is now Ghana. However, the Danes sold the castle to the Swedes in 1652, who in turn sold it to the Dutch in 1657.
In 1661, the Dutch sold the castle to the British, who expanded and renovated it to serve as the headquarters of the British colonial government in the Gold Coast. The castle was subsequently used as the seat of the British colonial government for over 200 years, and it served as the residence of British governors and other officials who were in charge of the administration of the Gold Coast.
During this period, the castle also played a prominent role in the transatlantic slave trade, as it served as a major departure point for enslaved Africans who were shipped to the Americas and the Caribbean.
Osu Castle now and what it is used for
After Ghana gained independence in 1957, the castle was converted into a government office and later served as the residence of Ghana’s presidents. In 2013, the castle was once again repurposed and currently serves as the residence of the President of Ghana.
The castle has undergone several renovations and refurbishments over the years, and is open for guided tours of to the public it remains a symbol of Ghana’s rich colonial and postcolonial history.
